The Cape Town departure with Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline is the clear highlight of this long transatlantic flight; the many hours of open ocean crossing keep both sides scenically muted for most of the journey, but the left side's spectacular start gives it the edge.
Flight Path
Most of the route crosses the South Atlantic Ocean, passing well off the coast of Namibia and Angola before continuing over open water toward the Caribbean approach to North America — largely featureless ocean for the bulk of the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTDeparting north on runway 01, the left side offers a dramatic view back over Cape Town's City Bowl, Table Mountain's flat-topped massif, and the Atlantic coastline of Table Bay before the aircraft climbs out over the interior. This is one of the most photogenic departures in the world.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTOn a typical west-flow approach into Atlanta, the right side gives passengers a view of the downtown Atlanta skyline and the forested rolling terrain of the Piedmont before touchdown. It's a modest but the most visually distinct feature near this flat, tree-covered airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Atlanta. The Cape Town departure with Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline is the clear highlight of this long transatlantic flight; the many hours of open ocean crossing keep both sides scenically muted for most of the journey, but the left side's spectacular start gives it the edge.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing north on runway 01, the left side offers a dramatic view back over Cape Town's City Bowl, Table Mountain's flat-topped massif, and the Atlantic coastline of Table Bay before the aircraft climbs out over the interior. This is one of the most photogenic departures in the world. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, City Bowl of Cape Town, Table Bay harbor, Signal Hill.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On a typical west-flow approach into Atlanta, the right side gives passengers a view of the downtown Atlanta skyline and the forested rolling terrain of the Piedmont before touchdown. It's a modest but the most visually distinct feature near this flat, tree-covered airport. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont forest cover, Hartsfield-Jackson terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Atlanta?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 15h 50m.
What does the Cape Town to Atlanta flight path pass over?
Most of the route crosses the South Atlantic Ocean, passing well off the coast of Namibia and Angola before continuing over open water toward the Caribbean approach to North America — largely featureless ocean for the bulk of the cruise phase.